High energy minimum lethality weapon system

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a weapon system comprising a launcher and a flexible low lethality projectile of relatively large mass adapted to be radially expanded during trajectory so as to present a relatively large impact surface to the target. The projectile has an initial relatively small cross section so as to be insertable in a conventional launcher. The launcher may have internal rifling grooves within the barrel to effect rotation of the projectile and radial expansion thereof due to centrifugal force. The relatively large area of contact on impact reduces unit area energy and therefore penetration to a minimum while maintaining high inertia energy thereby to accomplish a nonlethal incapacitation of a human target.

ted States Patent 1 1 Mawhinney 1 Jan. 16, 1973 [75] Inventor: Robert C. Mawhinney, Danville,

Calif.

[73] Assignee: MB Associates, San Ramon, Calif.

[22] Filed: May 21, 1970 [211 App]. No.: 39,294

UNITED STATES PATENTS 347,988 8/1886 Boyd ..l02/42 R 2,851,991 9/1958 Rinckul. ...102/41 X 1,304,857 5/1919 Davis..... ....102/42 R 37,491 1/1863 Bruen ....l02/42 R 12,545 3/1855 Davis..... ...l02/42 C FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 111,888 8/1964 Switzerland ..l02/42R 5,570 11/1827 GreatBritain ..102 42c Primary Examiner-Robert F. Stahl AttorneyHarness, Dickey & Pierce 57 ABSTRACT The disclosure relates to a weapon system comprising a launcher and a flexible low lethality projectile of relatively large mass adapted to be radially expanded during trajectory so as to present a relatively large impact surface to the target, The projectile has an initial relatively small cross section so as to be insertable in a conventional launcher. The launcher may have internal rifling grooves within the barrel to effect rotation of the projectile and radial expansion thereof due to centrifugal force. The relatively large area of contact on impact reduces unit area energy and therefore penetration to a minimum while maintaining high inertia energy thereby to accomplish a non-lethal incapacitation of a human target.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures HIGH ENERGY MINIMUM LETHALITY WEAPON SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Weapons presently employed in law enforcement work have several disadvantages. The primary drawback of conventional arms is the possibility of inflicting mortal injury to an alleged suspect. Another drawback is that an innocent bystander may be injured. Another is that a lethal weapon may also be a threat to the police officer if the weapon is recovered by a suspect during an altercation. A third disadvantage is the requirement that all weapons inflict minimal injury to a suspect imposed by our legal system which reserves to the courts the responsibility for determining guilt and sentence of suspected offenders.

The basic requirement of a weapons system for most law enforcement work is the ability to incapacitate as opposed to inflict injury. The requirement for incapacitation is imposed in order to prevent suspect targets from fleeing, engaging in further combat, or committing other acts an officer properly wishes to stop.

No heretofore known weapon fulfills all of the above requirements. For example, usefulness of the billy club or the baton is limited by the reach of the individual employing the device. The desirable quality of a billy club is that it has the capability of delivering an incapacitating blow without penetrating the body of the offender. If this concept is extrapolated then, that what is needed is a long-range device that inflicts a blow as that of a billy club or incapacitates in some other manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to minimum lethality weaponry area, but more particularly to a deformable projectile adapted to be fired by an appropriate launcher. The projectile radially expands during its trajectory by centrifugal force thereby delivering an impact of relatively high total energy but of relatively low unit area energy so as to incapacitate while minimizing body penetration.

It is the primary object then of this invention to provide a minimum lethality projectile capable of incapacitating a human target without body penetration or imparting mortal injury.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a projectile having an initial relatively small cross-sectional area adaptable for reception into a launcher and that is radially expandable while in trajectory so that the launching device does not have to be unduly large and unwieldy.

Another object of this invention is to provide a minimum lethality projectile having the ability to conform to the shape of a target thereby allowing a uniform energy distribution over a relatively large area ofthe target.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the cartridge with a quarter section broken away to disclose the interior construction;

FIG. 2 is a partial elevation of an appropriate launcher with one half of the barrel portion broken away to show the orientation of the cartridge;

FIG. 3 is the same partial elevation as in FIG. 2 wherein the projectile is shown immediately after fir- FIG. 4 is again the same partial elevation indicating the relative positions of the various elements after exit of the launcher barrel;

FIG. 5 is a further elevation of a fully radially expanded minimum lethality projectile in trajectory toward its target; and

FIG. 6 is a second embodiment of the minimum lethality projectile in the form of an incapacitating net fully radially expanded and in trajectory moving towards a target.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 indicates a cartridge' 10 comprising a case 12 closed on one end by an end seal M, and on the opposite end by a primer case 16. The primer case 16 has a radially extending flange 18 for positioning purposes. The primer case 16 is provided with a counterbored aperture 20 for the acceptance ofa primer 22.

A spacer 24 has a further enlarged longitudinal counterbore portion 26 for the acceptance of a charge 28. The purpose of the spacer 24 is to provide volume control of the charge cavity and thereby control the kinetic energy imparted to a projectile.

A piston 30 adapted to circumferentially engage the inner periphery of the cartridge case 12, communicates with the inward face of spacer 24. Its opposing face is in contact with a gas check 32. In the embodiment indicated in FIG. 1, the piston 30 is constructed of polyethylene and the gas check 32 of felt but comparable materials could be substituted without detracting from the effectiveness of the cartridge 10.

Disposed between the gas check. 32 and the end seal 14 is a non-lethal projectile 34 adapted to snugly conform to the geometric volume between said end seal member 14, said gas check 32, and the inner periphery of said cartridge case 12.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary launcher 36 having a barrel 38 with internal rifling, for example a United States Military 40MM Grenade Launcher (M79 or XM-l48) wherein the cartridge 10* is indicated in firing position in the receiver portion of said launcher 36. It will be appreciated that the firing pin of launcher 36 is on the centerline of the primer 22. Firing is accomplished by a rearward pull of trigger 40 causing the firing pin to strike the primer 22 in a manner well known in the art thereby detonating the charge 28. The cartridge casing 12 is restrained by the radially extending flange 18 thereof communicating with an opposing surface within the receiver portion of the launcher 36 as is common in the art. The detonation force of the charge drives piston 30 toward the muzzle end of barrel 38 driving with it the projectile 34, and end seal member 14. Due to the internal rifling within barrel 38, it will be appreciated that rotation is imparted to the projectile 34 as well as longitudinal thrust.

FIG. 4-indicates the relation of the elements of the cartridge 10 upon exit from the barrel 38 of the launcher 10. The end seal 14, and. piston 30 have appreciably less mass than the projectile 34 and therefore separate from the trajectory of the projectile 34. Due to rotation accomplished by the rifling of the launcher, centrifugal force causes the projectile 34 to expand radially thereby assuming a somewhat pancake shape.

FIG. 5 indicates the projectile 34 in its fullest radially expanded form proceeding in its trajectory in a manner calculated to provide a minimum lethality but incapacitating impact to its target.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the projectile 34 is constructed of a heavy woven fabric loaded with steel shot and resembling a bean bag. A projectile adapted to be fired by a cartridge designed for the U. S. Military 4OMM Grenade Launcher M79 will weigh approximately one half pound.

FIG. 6 disclosed another embodiment of the projectile 34 comprising a net that radially expands to assume a shape many times its compacted diameter. The net 34 has weights 36 secured to its periphery to enhance rotation due to centrifugal force and to stabilize its trajectory. This embodiment of the projectile is calculated to encircle or wrap around a target thereby to incapacitate the target.

While it will be apparent that the embodiments illustrated herein are calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. In a projectile for use in a minimum lethality weapon system for incapacitating a human target, said system. comprising means for imparting relatively high kinetic energy to said projectile to effect movement thereof through a trajectory and including means for gyrating said projectile relative to the axis of said trajectory, the' projectile comprising: a plurality of weights; and deformable means at least partially supporting said weights and including at least one flexible, radially extending, outer wall member, said means having an initial relatively small radial cross-sectional area relative to said trajectory, and being extendable in response to centrifugal force provided by said gyrating means acting on said weights while in said trajectory to distribute the kinetic energy thereof over a relatively large target area thereby to minimize penetration of the target yet maximize the delivery of said kinetic energy.

2. The projectiles of claim 1 wherein the deformable means comprises first and second flexible, radially extending, wall members, said members being connected along an outer peripheral surface to form a circular shaped bag, and wherein said weights are disposed in said bag.

3. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said wall member is a circular shaped net, and wherein said weights are circumferentially spaced and supported on the outer periphery of said net.

4. In a projectile for use in a minimum lethality weapon system for incapacitating a human target, said system comprising means for imparting relatively high kinetic energy to said projectile to effect movement thereof through a trajectory and including means for gyrating said projectile relative to the axis of said trajectory, the projectile comprising: a plurality of weights; and deformable means for supporting said weights in an initial relatively small radial cross section relative to said trajectory and being extendable in response to centrifugal force acting on said weights,

said deformable means including retaining means for locating each of said weights a selective distance from the axis of trajectory for orbital movement initiated by said gyrating means whereby the trajectory of said projectile is spin stabilized and the kinetic energy is distributed over a relatively large target area. I

5. The projectile as recited in claim 4 wherein said deformable means is a substantially circular shaped net, and wherein said weights are circumferentially spaced and connected to the outer periphery of said net.

6. The projectile as'recited in claim 4 wherein said deformable means is a disc shaped bag, and wherein said weights are initially randomly located in said bag and wherein said weights are located about the outer periphery of said bag when said deformable means is extendable.

7. The projectile as recited in claim 6 wherein said bag is comprised of first and second flexible wall members connected together along the outer periphery thereof.

8. In a projectile for use in a minimum lethality weapon system for incapacitating a human target, said system comprising means for imparting relatively high kinetic energy to said projectile to effect movement thereof through a trajectory and including means for gyrating said projectile relative to the axis of said trajectory, the projectile comprising: a plurality of unconnected shot particles; and means for defining a deformable housing around said particles, said housing having an initial relatively small radial cross sectional area relative to said trajectory and being radially extendable in response to centrifugal force provided by said gyrating means and acting on said particles, whereby each of said particles orbits relative to the axis of trajectory and the kinetic energy of said projectile is distributed over a relatively large target area to minimize penetration of the target and maximize the delivery of said kinetic energy.

9. The projectile as recited in claim 8 wherein said deformable housing is comprised of first and second flexible disc shaped wall members, and wherein said members are connected about the outer peripheral surface thereof.

10. A projectile for use in a minimum lethality weapon system for incapacitating a human target, the system including cartridge means carrying a propellent for imparting relatively high kinetic energy to said projectile to effect movement thereof through a trajectory, and launcher means for receiving said cartridge means and for gyrating said projectile relative to the axis of trajectory to provide stabilization thereto, the projectile comprising: a plurality of unconnected shot particles; and housing means surrounding said particles and for defining an enclosure therearound, said housing means being deformable to a generally cylindrical configuration of relatively small radial cross section to accommodate insertion within said cartridge means and radially expandible by centrifugal force applied to said particles by said gyrating movement to a substantially flat, radially enlarged configuration relative to the diameter of said cartridge means, whereby the kinetic energy of said projectile is distributed over a relatively large target area to minimize penetration of the target yet maximize the delivery of said kinetic energy.

11. The projectile as recited in claim wherein said launcher means includes rifling groove means for gyrating said projectile relative to said axis of trajectory. 5 

1. In a projectile for use in a minimum lethality weapon system for incapacitating a human target, said system comprising means for imparting relatively high kinetic energy to said projectile to effect movement thereof through a trajectory and including means for gyrating said projectile relative to the axis of said trajectory, the projectile comprising: a plurality of weights; and deformable means at least partially supporting said weights and including at least one flexible, radially extending, outer wall member, said means having an initial relatively small radial cross-sectional area relative to said trajectory, and being extendable in response to centrifugal force provided by said gyrating means acting on said weights while in said trajectory to distribute the kinetic energy thereof over a relatively large target area thereby to minimize penetration of the target yet maximize the delivery of said kinetic energy.
 2. The projectiles of claim 1 wherein the deformable means comprises first and second flexible, radially extending, wall members, said members being connected along an outer peripheral surface to form a circular shaped bag, and wherein said weights are disposed in said bag.
 3. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said wall member is a circular shaped net, and wherein said weights are circumferentially spaced and supported on the outer periphery of said net.
 4. In a projectile for use in a minimum lethality weapon system for incapacitating a human target, said system comprising means for imparting relatively high kinetic energy to said projectile to effect movement thereof through a trajectory and including means for gyrating said projectile relative to the axis of said trajectory, the projectile comprising: a plurality of weights; and deformable means for supporting said weights in an initial relatively small radial cross section relative to said trajectory and being extendable in response to centrifugal force acting on said weights, said deformable means including retaining means for locating each of said weights a selective distance from the axis of trajectory for orbital movement initiated by said gyrating means whereby the trajectory of said projectile is spin stabilized and the kinetic energy is distributed over a relatively large target area.
 5. The projectile as recited in claim 4 wherein said deformable means is a substantially circular shaped net, and wherein said weights are circumferentially spaced and connected to the outer periphery of said net.
 6. The projectile as recited in claim 4 wherein said deformable means is a disc shaped bag, and wherein said weights are initially randomly located in said bag and wherein said weights are located about the outer periphery of said bag when said deformable means is extendable.
 7. The projectile as recited in claim 6 wherein said bag is comprised of first and second flexible wall members connected together along the outer periphery thereof.
 8. In a projectile for use iN a minimum lethality weapon system for incapacitating a human target, said system comprising means for imparting relatively high kinetic energy to said projectile to effect movement thereof through a trajectory and including means for gyrating said projectile relative to the axis of said trajectory, the projectile comprising: a plurality of unconnected shot particles; and means for defining a deformable housing around said particles, said housing having an initial relatively small radial cross sectional area relative to said trajectory and being radially extendable in response to centrifugal force provided by said gyrating means and acting on said particles, whereby each of said particles orbits relative to the axis of trajectory and the kinetic energy of said projectile is distributed over a relatively large target area to minimize penetration of the target and maximize the delivery of said kinetic energy.
 9. The projectile as recited in claim 8 wherein said deformable housing is comprised of first and second flexible disc shaped wall members, and wherein said members are connected about the outer peripheral surface thereof.
 10. A projectile for use in a minimum lethality weapon system for incapacitating a human target, the system including cartridge means carrying a propellent for imparting relatively high kinetic energy to said projectile to effect movement thereof through a trajectory, and launcher means for receiving said cartridge means and for gyrating said projectile relative to the axis of trajectory to provide stabilization thereto, the projectile comprising: a plurality of unconnected shot particles; and housing means surrounding said particles and for defining an enclosure therearound, said housing means being deformable to a generally cylindrical configuration of relatively small radial cross section to accommodate insertion within said cartridge means and radially expandible by centrifugal force applied to said particles by said gyrating movement to a substantially flat, radially enlarged configuration relative to the diameter of said cartridge means, whereby the kinetic energy of said projectile is distributed over a relatively large target area to minimize penetration of the target yet maximize the delivery of said kinetic energy.
 11. The projectile as recited in claim 10 wherein said launcher means includes rifling groove means for gyrating said projectile relative to said axis of trajectory. 